starting problem
 

My '88 has crnaked over really slow lately. The last few days it would sit for half a day then turn over slowly but start. It runs fine. Today i was listneing to some music and then i go to start the car and i get a "whu..." Ok, battery died. I got it bump started and it ran fine. I got home and shut it off by accedent. Turn the key and it started fine. I whip out the volt meter and get 13.6 volts charging and then shut it off and get 12.6 after sitting for a few muinnites. I cannot get any measurable current draw with the key in the off position. After 15 min. its still 12.6 v. the charging seems to be on the low side but it was been mid to high 13v. for a year now and it has never had a problem.
Could the battery not have the amperage to turn the starter but have the volts? I do not have a helper to see what it does when the starter is turned on.

Well i had done a search and found nothing but i just read about the S misfiring and he said the battery had died and still showed 13.5. Ill try a new battery. Just thought someone might have a suggestion of something else to try.

-Greg

Batteries last about four maybe five years. Cleaning the cable connections at ALL locations is important -- including the starter. The ones from the chassis to the back of the block is the major grounding path for the starter.

Charging voltage should be 14 VDC or better. 14.5 VDC is optimum.

You can buy an adjustable regulator for your alternator for less than $30. Goes into the back of the alternator.